Missing May by Cynthia Rylant

Ode to Cynthia Rylant! I guess I should re-name my blog and dedicate it to her but this will probably be my last posting on a Cynthia Rylant book for this course. I have to give other fantastic children's authors some due attention and well deserved credit!

I have completed another satisfying Rylant story that left me feeling introspective and hopeful. Missing May provides a truthful and intimate account of a young girl named Summer who is dealing with the death of her aunt. Summer had been rejected by her family and May was the only family member who took her in and loved her unconditionally. The first person perspective reveals the emotions and difficulties that Summer experiences trying to move on from her beloved aunt's death. Throughout the story, I empathized with Summer and her Uncle Ob. It made me think more deeply about mortality and I referred to my own losses. The descriptions of May conjured memories of my own Grandmother who died when I was a teenager. I remember witnessing my father's grief and I can remember how my Grandmother's absence affected me. My Grandmother was similiar to May. There are those people who are so virtuous and unselfish that they impact your life long after their death. May was that kind of person. She made Summer feel wanted and loved and May's husband didn't know how to go on without her.

Ob's reaction to his wife's death made me think of all the stories we hear about when one spouse dies, the other gives up on life and dies shortly thereafter. Summer was hurt by the fact that Ob seemed to be giving up on life. Summer was devastated that Ob didn't seem to be motivated to go on with life for her sake. In his own way, Ob tried to deal with his loss by searching for a spiritual connection with May. Maybe this would bring a sense of closure that would enable him to move on with his life. Therefore, he, Summer, and another young boy ventured across the state of West Virginia to meet with someone who could mediate this re-connection. Throughout the story, I hoped that the characters found what they were searching for and I was unsure how they would be able to come to terms with their loss.

Summer and Obe were in a state of limbo. They were completely consumed with their loss and needed some way to get on with their lives. This is a very natural reaction to death and Rylant reveals this common human experience effectively. The most heartwarming passage in the story is when Summer makes a spiritual connection with May. At the end of the book, Summer hears May's voice and May is telling Summer how much she meant to her. This was a very emotional and uplifting passage that would make just about anyone cry. I was moved by the sentimentality and Summer's reaction to May's voice. Finally, Summer and Ob could experience closure, but they would never forget May. She would remain an inspiring presence in their lives.

I am interested to find out whether or not this is considered to be a controversial book since it deals so intimately with death. As with Bridge to Terabithia, I believe that Missing May provides a valuable learning opportunity for children. Many children have experienced loss in their lives. They have either felt unwanted or have lost someone they loved. This story can reassure them that these feelings of loneliness and helplessness are completely normal and acceptable reactions. For those students who haven't had direct experiences with death or loss, they will be able to take the message from Missing May and apply it to their own experiences when they deal with these issues in their future. It will also enable students to empathize with those who have had these experiences.

Rylant kept me emotionally invested throughout the story and I was able to draw from my own experiences to deepen and enrich my interpretation of the story.

The Van Gogh Cafe by Cynthia Rylant

With a title like The Van Gogh Cafe and an author by the name of Cynthia Rylant, I was instantly intrigued by the book. Since one of my favorite Van Gogh paintings is Cafe Terrace at Night and because I hold Rylant in such high esteem as an author, I had high expectations for this short story and I certainly was not disappointed! My initial impression of the book prior to reading it led me to believe that it would be quirky and artsy. I wasn't sure if the book would have any deep underlying messages. Rylant is known for her range of literature. Many of her stories speak to the most profoud of human experiences and leave the reader feeling contemplative. Other stories by Rylant are written in a more simplistic and fun way such as Poppleton and Henry and Mudge. The Van Gogh Cafe falls in both categories, which makes this story so unique and engaging!

After having read the book, I immediately wanted to take a trip to Kansas and get a cup of coffee at the Van Gogh Cafe. Who wouldn't want to after reading this story? Honestly, I have never had any desire to visit Kansas prior to reading this book. Sprawling flat fields and the constant threat of tornados have always made me shy away from the remoteness of this midwestern state. The book gives similiar accounts of Kansas and this is what makes The Van Gogh Cafe so alluring. Rylant references how The Van Gogh Cafe is situated near the I70 corridor. Travelers heading east or west often stop at the cafe before heading off to start a new life. Rylant explains, "But sometimes someone is new, for Flowers sits near I70, which people take when they are escaping an old life from the East to a new life in the West or the other way around." I immediately made personal connections to this statement. I have known many friends who have decided to travel and live out west to start a new chapter in their lives. Many of us have probably had similiar desires. Conquering the West has been the goal of many within our country for hundreds of years. The West has symbolized endless possibilities. The Van Gogh Cafe represents these same ideas because it is described as a place where "anything is possible", even fulfilling personal desires. I think of the Van Gogh Cafe as a midpoint between an old life or old way of thinking and a new life experience. Obviously, the travelers and inhabitants of Flowers, Kansas were drawn to the cafe because of the magic and endless possibilities found there.

Rylant provided wonderful and creative transitions from chapter to chapter. The ending statement from each chapter had a "To Be Continued" effect, which kept me interested in the next magical event that was about to unfold. Each magical occurence that happened throughout the book was equally entertaining and enjoyable. I had so much fun making predictions about the oddities that would occur based on the chapter headings. My favorites were the Magical Muffins, The Wayward Gull and The Star. While most of the magical events were whimsical, The Star was much more somber and emotional for me. For those who haven't read the story, I will not give it away but it brought a tear to my eye.

Rylant did an exquisite job of using fantasy and magic to unveil humans' desire for excitement and intrigue. Many of us would like to turn our ordinary lives into something extrodinary. The book concludes with the chapter titled The Writer. This character had given up hope on pursuing his dreams because he was rejected for his unique writing style. Being at The Van Gogh Cafe revitalized his aspirations when he realized that Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. This artist was shunned because he was unconventional. The Van Gogh Cafe made the Writer recognize his gift. What a great message to convey as a way of concluding this excellent story!

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo showcased her versatility as an author in this fantasy adventure! I was consumed by the events that unfolded from start to finish. When I initially read the synopsis of the story, I surmised that the book would chronicle the lighthearted adventures of a mouse. The simplicity I imagined would dominate the storyline was not evident. Instead, DiCamillo brilliantly and creatively used elements from fairy tales to create a complex and exciting tale that addressed many important themes including loyalty, revenge, and jealousy.

Despereaux was a devoted, determined, and misunderstood little mouse. He was ostracized by his mouse community because he daringly escaped the walls of the castle in which he lived to explore what went on within the castle. Despereaux's encounter with the Princess Pea changed his life and he vowed to devote his life to her. DiCamillo used forshadowing to entice the reader throughout the story. Before Despereaux decided to leave the walls of the castle, he was being instructed by his brother on how to nibble away at paper. The paper that he happened to be nibbling on had the phrase, "Once upon a time...." DiCamillo foreshadows the upcoming events in the story by describing Despereaux's reactions to these words. " Once upon a time, he said aloud relishing the sound. And then, tracing each word with his paw, he read the story of a beautiful princess and the brave knight who serves and honors her. Despereaux did not know it, but soon he would have to be very brave himself." This excerpt is one example of how DiCamillo effectively sets the stage for each scene that is about to unfold.

I enjoyed how DiCamillo spoke directly to the reader. This language made me feel as though I was partaking in the adventure. DiCamillo used outstanding vocabulary throughout the text to describe situations. The word "perfidy" continues to pop up in my mind, even after reading the story. I have never read a book that calls the reader's attention to such interesting words as does The Tale of Despereaux. This is due, in part, to DiCamillo addressing the reader by calling attention to the words. This was a great way to get children and adults to notice interesting vocabulary.

Although Despereaux was the protagonist, I did sympathize with Chiarscuro (what a great name, it made me think of artists such as Rembrandt) and Mig. These characters were well developed. DiCamillo provided wonderful accounts of these characters' past experiences and circumstances that drove them to jealousy and revenge. Of course, things ended happily for these characters but their suffering was profound throughout the story. Oftentimes, children's fairy tales do not give background information about the antagonists. DiCamillo revealed that there are reasons behind why people/characters become vengeful. This is a powerful message that can be translated to real-life situations.

DiCamillo's book Because of Winn Dixie was one of my favorite children's books, and now that I have read The Tale of Despereaux, this great adventure also tops the list!

Movie Review of Bridge to Terabithia

Last evening, I enjoyed viewing the movie version of Bridge to Terabithia. As stated in my previous blog response about the book, I was somewhat skeptical about seeing the movie for a number of reasons. As I previewed the trailers for Bridge to Terabithia, it seemed as though the majority of the movie would be dominated by special effects. This, however, was not the case.

Overall, I thought that the characters were well developed. Patterson masterfully developed the characters in the book version of Bridge to Terabithia. Oftentimes, movie renditions do not capture the complexities and relationships captured in quality literature. I believe that the movie version devoted the time needed to tie the audience into the experiences and emotions of both Jess and Leslie.

The movie did not diverge from the events that unfolded in the book. However,the characters were not as I had envisioned when I read the story. This was done intentionally to appeal to younger audiences. I can understand the purpose behind modernizing the characters but I will admit that it was somewhat of a disappointment. Patterson's depiction of rural America was not captured in the movie. The characters seemed much more suburban and image conscious than what Patterson had probably intended. These details are somewhat minor and insignificant, but I constantly found myself making these comparisons. Because the movie did not attempt to authentically re-invent all aspects of the book, the images I visualized while reading the story have not been altered. The same cannot be said for movies such as Harry Potter because those movies aimed to portray the characters as closely as possible to the book descriptions. I appreciated the authenticity of the Harry Potter movies. The movie version of Bridge to Terabithia aimed to bring the story into the 21st century.

I was amused by the comic relief provided by the young actress who portrayed Maybelle. She fulfilled a lighthearted side to the movie that was needed, especially toward the end. I was equally moved by Leslie's death in the movie as I was when I read the book. Overall, I was pleased with the performance of all the characters and I felt that the simplicity and depth of the story was not compromised by special effects or poor acting/character development. I wish more movies like these were out when I was a child!

The Bookshop Dog by Cynthia Rylant

I am so pleased that we have the opportunity to read and discuss Cynthia Rylant picturebooks! I find her stories so endearing!

I always enjoy reading Cynthia Rylant picturebooks to my first graders! She does an outstanding job of portraying human vulnerability and our need for companionship. Rylant's books capture the powerful bonds that humans have with each other and with animals.

One of her picturebooks that I haven't read until recently is The Bookshop Dog. When I looked at the inside jacket, I discovered that Rylant illustrated this book. A photograph is included on the inside jacket and this photo is of Rylant with her dog Martha Jane. The author description also stated that Rylant has two cats and two dogs. She must be an animal lover like me! This background knowledge of Rylant explains the premises for many of her books about animals such as Henry and Mudge, The Old Woman Who Named Things and The Great Gracie Chase among others. I always enjoy engaging my children in these stories because kids love reading about animals. For many students, they can make immediate connections because so many children have pets at home.

The Bookshop Dog is about a woman who decides to name her bookshop after her beloved dog, Martha Jane. ( I wonder if this is somehow autobiographical =) ) When I began reading this book for the first time, I instantaneously was reminded of Rylant's story The Old Woman Who Named Things. The first page of The Bookshop Dog reads, " Once there was a woman who loved her dog so much that she could hardly bear to be away from her." This opening is quite similiar to "Once there was an old woman who named things." When I read this opening line of The Bookshop Dog, I wanted to discover whether or not there were any other similarities between the two stories. As I continued reading, I realized that this story is more lighthearted and comical.

I found myself attending to the details of Rylant's illustrations. They have a child-like quality to them and I believe that children would appreciate seeing picturebooks with illustrations that they could emulate. Rylant included environmental print (signs, labels, etc.) within her illustrations in the same manner that many of my students depict through their own drawings.

Rylant's sense of humor comes through in this story. Martha Jane is a dog that the entire town learns to love. In fact, the townspeople love her so much that they begin fighting over who will take care of her when Martha's owner becomes ill. The bickering and arguing that ensues made me laugh out loud and I know that children would do the same. I recommend reading this book if you enjoy sentimental and humorous stories about the relationships between humans and canines. I know my First Graders will get a kick out of this witty Rylant picturebook.

Bridge to Terabithia

I was really excited to learn that I would be reading one of my all-time favorite children's books, Bridge to Terabithia. Admittedly, I had not read this book since the sixth grade when it was required of me. It was one of the few instances when I had the opportunity to read quality literature as opposed to short stories from a basal. Bridge to Terabithia left a positive impression on me and I remember being able to closely relate to the characters. Patterson intended to write a story about the struggles that children experience in their adolescent years. While these trials may seem insignificant to some adults, they are very real to children. Patterson's characters built a friendship that helped them cope and come to terms with their fears and feelings of isolation.

Now that I have read Bridge to Terabithia from an adult perspective, it conjured up many of the same feelings that I had growing up. My formative years impact me to this day. I was, however, able to read the story and appreciate it in an entirely different way. Themes such as overcoming fear that are embedded throughout the story are life-long experiences that we all face well into adulthood.

The protagonist Jess Aarons had many fears that prevented him from truly being content. He was afraid of what others' perceptions were of him and he was afraid to take risks. Leslie, however, became an unexpected friend to Jess. Although Jess perceived Leslie as a threat because she was a faster runner, Jess learned to look past his own insecurities by befriending Leslie. She was considered an outcast by her peers. Although Leslie was upset by this, she did not let others' opinions compromise who she was. I believe that Jess was impressed by Leslie's ability to handle adverse situations. Leslie revealed to Jess how she was able to overcome others' perceptions of her. She gave Jess the gift of escape. Terabithia was a magical re-treat both of them used to get away from their everyday problems.

As an adult, I have learned the importance of having an outlet or escape that enables me to take a break from the everyday challenges we oftentimes face. We all need to find ways to take time for ourselves to help manage stress. For me, I am able to do this by reading a good book or by going running. For Jess and Leslie, they went to Terabithia.

I find it interesting that this has been considered a controversial book. Although the book ends tragically because of Leslie's death, I believe this makes the message of the book resonate strongly with those who read it. Jess was able carry Leslie's memory with him and he was able to see his life from a different perspective. Jess learned what was most important and he began building a stronger relationship with his younger sister as a result of the tragedy. This book addresses the notion that people can survive, overcome, and learn from tragedy. I believe that older children are capable of confronting these realities.

I will admit that I am slightly reluctant about how the movie will portray the characters and storyline. I always envisioned this as a simple story that doesn't warrant endless special effects and fantastical scenes. Hopefully, the movie will not go overboard with the special effects. I am looking forward to seeing the movie!

Mirette on the High Wire

As I was looking at various Caldecott Award Winning picturebooks trying to decide which one to choose for this initial posting, I decided to select Mirette on the High Wire. During last night's class, we were introduced to another Caldecott Award Winner titled The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. I immediately was able to draw parallels between these two books.

For those who haven't read Mirette, it is a fictional story about a young girl who meets a mysterious man at a boardinghouse. The young girl Mirette discovers that this man, named Bellini could walk on a high wire. She would witness him practicing on the high wire outside in the courtyard. She became so mesmerized by watching him that she decided to learn how to master the high wire.

Although Bellini assisted Mirette in learning the high wire, it isn't until later in the story that the truth about Bellini's past comes to haunt him. Bellini was well-known throughout the world for his daring spirit on the high wire. However, fear overcame him and he decided to give up his passion. Mirette was devastated to discover that her mentor had let fear destroy his spirit. Bellini's fondness of Mirette helped him conquer his fear and they both performed on the high wire together.

I am fond of this story for a number of reasons. I appreciate how McCully integrated various themes throughout the story. These include friendship, the power of courage, and perseverance. Mirette and Bellini both learned from each other but it was Mirette who saved Bellini's spirit. I can relate to the positive impact that children can have on adults. Children offer fresh, untainted perspectives about life and can help adults regain their idealism.

I am also impressed by the illustrations in the story. Since the story takes place in 19th century Paris, the author was able to capture impressionistic styles in the watercolor illustrations. Many of the illustrations reminded me of 19th century artists such as Renoir, Monet and Callebotte (I was an Art History Major=). These are some of my favorite artists and 19th century Parisian Art is fascinating to me!

I was able to make a text to text connection between Mirette and the Man Who Walked Between the Towers. When Mirette witnessed Bellini on the high wire, she was "enchanted" because it seemed so "magical". Similiar language was used in The Man Who Walked Between the Towers when people saw Phillipe walking the tight rope between the twin towers. Both stories spoke to the human desire for adventure. Some of us have it more than others! Both Mirette and Philippe had the same desires that they strove to fulfill. However, I felt that Mirette as a character was portrayed with more depth than Phillipe because of the powerful human connection between Mirette and Bellini. I was more emotionally drawn to Mirette's story.